Looking for some new eating out options? 2014 seems to be the year of the new "light menu" at all kinds of restaurants. No argument from me! Here are some new finds I recently tried... (In additional to the restaurants below, stay turned for details on the new Maggianos light menu!)
Denny's:
Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner- I am totally digging the "Build your own Gram Slam" menu at Denny's. The menu features 300 ways to mix and match breakfast options to enjoy a meal under 500 calories. So many possibilities! I went with a high protein meal featuring egg whites, turkey bacon, chicken sausage and fruit parfait (served in a fancy parfait glass!) for under 300 calories. Next time I may splurge for the whole wheat pancakes or oatmeal. The menu is awesome because it lists all of the options with calorie counts! Not in the mood for breakfast food? No problem! Try something off the "Fit Fare" menu! These are my favorite pics:
- Cranberry Apple Chicken Salad: 450 calories
- Chicken Avocado Sandwich with Fresh Veggies: 490 calories
- Alaska Salmon with Whole-Grain Rice and Steamed Broccoli: 500 calories
California Pizza Kitchen:
CPK just launched their "Light Adventures" Menu- which is great since most items on their menu are not very healthy. I tried the Shrimp Scampi Zucchini Fettuccine, and it was absolutely delicious!! For only 470 calories, the meal featured fettuccine-shaped pasta mixed in with zucchini cut into thin slices to look like fettuccine- how clever- covered in an Alfredo-like sauce with fresh shrimp. I really enjoyed it! See the photo below! Other items on the menu include:
- Quinoa and Arugula Salad: 590 calories
- Fire Roasted Chili Relleno: 420 calories
- Grilled Chicken Chimichurri: 460 calories
- Cedar Plank Salmon: 650 calories
Enstein's Bagels:
The new "Thintastic Bagels" menu from Einstein's is just awesome. Enjoy at lunch or dinner! Try the Southwest Turkey-Sausage and Egg White Sandwich for only 350 calories, or the Asparagus, Mushroom, and Swiss Cheese with Egg Whites Sandwich for only 270 calories. Both are great! For more of a lunch choice, try the Tuscan Chicken Pesto Sandwich for 340 calories, or the Bagel Thin Club Sandwich for 360 calories (less if you ditch the bacon!). When paired up with a fruit cup or a bag of baked Lays, any of these sandwiches make a great meal option!
Olive Garden:
While the Olive Garden "Garden Fare" menu isn't new, it's a great go to, and it includes new items! I love the Baked Tilapia and Shrimp dish- only 340 calories and high in protein! Since it's so low in calories, it's a great way to also enjoy a 140 calorie breadstick before dinner and salad (ask for the light dressing) or minestrone soup- both are 100 calories. I usually go with the soup! Other yummy choices:
- Garlic Rosemary Chicken served with Mashed Potatoes and Spinach: 560 calories
- Venetian Apricot Chicken with Asparagus: 420 calories
- Lasagna Primavera with Grilled Chicken: 560 calories
- Herb-Grilled Salmon with Broccoli: 520 calories
... And more!
Where will you be dining?
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